Growing Plant Affair Celebrates South Florida

March 29, 1987|By DOROTHY-ANNE FLOR, Staff Writer

Prepare yourself for a treat.

It`s time for Fort Lauderdale`s 11th annual Growing Plant Affair, a two-day festival celebrating South Florida`s green world on Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5, at War Memorial Auditorium at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

It`s an occasion that inspires nursery owners to get in line for the privilege of participating. ``The only fair way is to keep letters on file and respond on a first-date first-serve basis when we get an opening,`` says coordinator Bob Betz of Gore Nursery.

This year, more than 100 nursery owners will surround the building with massive displays of flowering and non-flowering plants, trees and shrubs that will be sold at wholesale prices.

Newcomers should not be deceived into expecting just one more plant sale. In addition to beautiful greenery at lower than usual prices, it`s a festival of fun.

New experiences this year will include a new logo designed by commercial artist Brian Bartlett, who describes his design as ``alive and upbeat -- even a bit suggestive.``

And, there`s a character competition.

The Character of the Plant Affair is a huge and colorful bird-like creation designed by Don Moore, a Fort Lauderdale display artist. It most resembles a bird of paradise plant. Yet, it doesn`t. Whatever, the Character will be the star of a ``Guess the Bird`s Name`` contest. Flamingos will assist, passing out contest rules.

Correctly guess the Character`s name and you`ll win an exotic plant valued at $250. Clues will be tucked away in unexpected places. To help you out, there are three words in the name. Also, though the Character is bird-like, think plant or flower.

While you`re guessing its name, have your picture taken with the Character for a small fee, says Iris Baker, Fort Lauderdale Symphony Society president and co-chairwoman of the event.

Helen Roberts, chairwoman for the second year, offers still another dimension: a garden and patio show featuring companies and firms that handle ancillary items to the plants like garden supplies and decorations.